Hagler replaced as Mo. agriculture director

Hagler replaced as Mo. agriculture director

Gov. Jay Nixon has replaced the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Nixon announced Friday that department director Jon Hagler had been replaced effective immediately.

The governor's announcement offered no explanation.

But the change comes one day after the department's associate director for meat and poultry inspection distributed a letter saying she was resigning because of a hostile and disrespectful work environment.

Spokeswomen for Nixon and the Agriculture Department did not return messages seeking further comment Friday.

Nixon said Harry Bozoian will serve as acting director of the Department of Agriculture.

Bozoian had been deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Hagler had directed the agriculture department since Nixon became governor in 2009.

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Gov. Jay Nixon has replaced the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Nixon announced Friday that department director Jon Hagler had been replaced effective immediately.

But the governor's announcement did not provide any explanation for the change.

Nixon said that Harry Bozoian will serve as acting director of the Department of Agriculture.

Bozoian had been serving as the deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Hagler had been agriculture director since Nixon became governor in 2009.

The governor's office said Hagler will remain with the department through Oct. 31 to assist in the transition.